We’ll just call that Reason Number 11.

Here are ten real reasons why chocolate is a great idea:

Well, I have good news. Not only is chocolate good for us, but it actually has quite a few major health benefits. As always, the key is moderation.

The following health benefits are derived from consuming small amounts of dark chocolate two to three times a week. And no, candy bars, milk chocolate, and white chocolate do not count. Health benefits can only be achieved by consuming dark chocolate with 15 to 30 percent cocoa. So, go ahead and indulge; in moderation of course. Let your love of chocolate work for you instead of against you.

1. Chocolate contains neutral fats (no cholesterol). Chocolate contains three types of fats. Oleic acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. Stearic acid is a saturated fat but one which research has shown has a neutral effect on cholesterol. Palmitic acid is also a saturated fat. Although palmitic acid is one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk, it is offset by the combination of the other two fats.

2. It lowers cholesterol. Dark chocolate has been shown to reduce LDL levels (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.

3. It contains phenyl ethylamine (PEA) which is the chemical the brain produces when we fall in love.

4. It contains neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters act like little messengers running around our brain telling the body what to do. Serotonin, one of the main neurotransmitters in the body, acts as an anti-depressant.

5. It has antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals which damage cells, clog arteries, and contribute to chronic illness and aging.

6. It releases endorphins which are natural feel-good chemicals.

7. It contains calcium. In fact, it has more calcium than eight ounces of milk.

8. It contains flavonoids which are pigments found in plants that help reduce damage to the body. They help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide and are good for the heart.

9. Enhances cognitive function. It does this by increasing the blood flow in the brain.

About Leona Harter, L.Ac.

Leona Harter, M.Ac., L.Ac., LMT, loves to heal things through the power of Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Qigong, Yoga and Herbs in her private practice at Leona Harter Acupuncture and Wellness in Southeast Georgia. She also maintains a practice at Advanced Healthcare Center in Jesup, GA, where she works with other medical providers to provide a multidisciplinary approach as needed. She guides her patients on their path of self-discovery while offering natural healing techniques that can be incorporated into any daily routine. She can be connected with via Facebook or via email at info@leonaharter.com.

[…] Dark chocolate is the one choice that not only appeals to the masses but is actually a nutritionally sound investment in your health. It has become the most popular ingredient in everything from desserts to energy bars, to even the strangest breakfast items. […]